Got Cows? Amazing Cows by Sandra Boynton (Review and Giveaway)

Sandra Boynton claims to have been six years old since 1959.

I believe her. 

Recently I was provided with a copy of her new book Amazing Cows and since then it has become my six-year-old's favorite book; we have to read several segments every day, several times each day.

You're probably asking yourself exactly what Amazing Cows is.

It's okay, I did too.

As Sandra Boynton herself describes it, "It is perhaps a 96-page, lavishly-illustrated, exuberant, miscellany of bovinely-inspired stories, jokes, poems, a song, a myth and even a vintage Amazing Cow comic book entitled Trouble on Zebblor 7"

Still not getting it?  Okay, let me put this way:  it's a book about funny cow stuff!  With a few pigs and chickens tossed so as not to be discriminatory, of course.

As I said, Big Brother is loving Amazing Cows and has to have his cow fill every day; at which time he belly laughs.  His favorite part is the three knock-knock jokes, that he repeats over and over and over...

Okay, so it's making me a little crazy.  But he loves it, so I love it.

Check out the free preview below and then head out and grab Amazing Cows for your kid or the adult child in your family - because it would make one a-MOO-zing stocking stuffer! (Or you can be cheap and shoot for the giveaway that follows the preview!)


GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! Sandra Boyton and Workman Publishing is generously offering a free copy of Amazing Cows to one lucky reader of The Mom Trap.
Here's how to enter: Leave a comment below telling me what is your favorite farm animal. (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)

Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Visit Workman Publishing at http://www.workman.com/ and tell me the name of another Workman title you like.
• Like Sandra Boynton on Facebook for 1 extra entry (already like it? That counts!).
• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect, Twitter, or Yahoo Account. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including @kdcantrell in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Sunday, December 12, 2010. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only. Winner will be announced on Facebook and notified via email no later than Monday, December 13, 2010, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

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Once In A Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge Book Review

Lindsay and Kerrie Ann are sisters who have known hardship from an early age. Without guidance from their neglectful mother, their only aid came from an unlikely source, a retired exotic dancer by the name of Miss Honi Love. When the girls’ mother was sent to prison, Miss Honi tried unsuccessfully to save them from being separated and sent into foster care.

Thirty years later, Lindsay is still trying to reconnect with her sister. The owner of a bookstore in the sleepy California seaside town of Blue Moon Bay, she was lucky enough to have been adopted by a loving couple. Unbeknownst to her, Kerrie Ann has suffered a very different life. Bounced from one foster home to the next, she ran away as a teenager before becoming a drug-addicted single mother. Now, newly sober, Kerrie Ann is fighting to regain custody of the little girl who was taken from her.

Neither sister’s expectations are met when they’re finally reunited. But as the two sisters engage in the fiercest battles of their lives, they are at last drawn together despite their differences, restoring belief in the unshakable bond of family.

Once In A Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge is typically not my favored genre; but I'm always willing to give anything a chance.

And I was pleasantly surprised.

Although I don't have a sister, I've known many who do. I've frequently witnessed first hand the bonds of sisterly love.

Once more I was invited into a world inhabited only by those with sisters, albeit by way of fiction, and was touched by such a deep-rooted relationship; even when time and lifestyles create a huge barrier.

Once In A Blue Moon is such a touching story. Very well-written, an easy-flowing writing style makes reading this fictional tale enjoyable and difficult to put down.

Irregardless of your preferred genre, I recommend adding Once In A Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge to your reading list; which is set to release on October 6, 2009.

Take a moment to visit Eileen Goudge online at her website, on Twitter, and Facebook.

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Fearless by Max Lucado Book Review

Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.

They're talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn't it be great to walk out?

Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.

Can you imagine your life without fear?

Being asked to review Max Lucado's book Fearless couldn't have come at a better time for me.

Lately it seems that I have been consumed by the very fears expressed in the above blurb.

Between a global economic crisis, numerous deaths (especially those of celebrities so highly publicized), and, in my opinion, a President that seems intent on destroying all the things for which American stands; and my mind has been filled with worry, frustration, and fear.

Max Lucado takes each of these fears, chapter by chapter, and teaches you how to understand your fear - the root of your emotion - and then how to relieve those fears by turning to faith.

There is not a (grown) soul out there today that hasn't experienced these emotions, whether past or present, and will benefit greatly from the lesson taught within Fearless.

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Book Review: The Eleventh Victim by Nancy Grace

Hailey Dean has fled Atlanta, Georgia, in search of freedom.

Freedom from crime scene photos, the heartbreak of victim's families, and the burden to make sure criminals paid their dues to society.

But can she escape her problems down South in New York City?

Not when you've got a Georgia Supreme Court Justice willing to set a serial killer free in exchange for becoming the state's next Governor; or a elite businessman that will do whatever it takes to convert Georgia's marshlands into million dollar resorts.

And, amazingly, all of these scenarios will tie into one explosive ending!

I'm a Nancy Grace fan, watching her show on HLN most every weekday evening.

However, I wasn't really expecting much out of her first attempt at fiction writing. After all, she's a prosecutor turned journalist; not a writer, per say.

But all I can say is WOW! Grace has some serious talent when it comes to writing fiction that will keep a reader so engaged in a book that it's hard to put down!

Aside from the in-depth description of places 'round and 'bout Georgia that provides a clear picture for readers, a lot of what contributes to the intrigue of The Eleventh Victim is that it features some of Grace's real life history: she is a native born Georgian and switched careers following the murder of her fiance.

Nancy Grace receives kudos and applause for a well-written, extremely engrossing first time fiction novel.

I'm hoping that we can expect more in the future!

Buy It! The Eleventh Victim by Nancy Grace will release on August 11, 2009, and can be purchased from Amazon for only $19.49 USD (Hardcover).

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Product Review: Boost Kid Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink

My four-year-old son eats like a bird.

Literally.

Numerous meals, frequently consisting of worms. (Ok, they're gummies but...)

It leaves me worried about nourishment. So I'm always on the prowl for something he'll like and that offers him something in the way of being healthy.

When I was offered the chance to try Boost Kid Essentials Nutritionally-Complete Drink, I jumped on it.

And wow! He liked them!

Not only him, but my 13-year-old son wanted to suck them down like they were cola too!

Boost Kid Essentials offers 355 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving without sacrificing taste - which is hard to accomplish, as most moms know.

I was relieved to finally find something that could offer good nutrition in the form of a "treat."

The only downside to this product is that you pay a pretty penny for what you get; with each 8.25 fl. oz. drink box costing approximately $2.00 USD.

However, I've decided that the benefits outweigh the excessive cost and will continue to purchase this item. (Purchase them in bulk at Amazon for only $1.97 each, with free super saver shipping!)

Register At the Kid Essentials website to instantly receive $5.00 in Savings and Notification on Future Offers!

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Book Review: The Bike Path Rapist by Jeff Schober with Detective Dennis Delano

As a boy, Detective Dennis Delano never aspired to be a cop; but it was apparently his destiny.

Working as a homicide detective in Buffalo, New York, Detective Delano would spend hours studying cold cases to refine his investigative techniques.

All the while, a serial rapist was on the loose in and around the bike paths of Western New York.

His first known attack occurred in 1977, and his would continue raping - and killing at least three women - until 2006.

Three decades of stalking women and brutalizing them.

He became known to law enforcement as The Bike Path Rapist.

And in the meantime, an innocent, mentally-ill man, Anthony Capozzi, would pay for The Bike Path Rapist's crimes with twenty-two years of life; his freedom.

When Detective Delano discovered Capozzi's innocence, he made it his mission to set him free.

What should have been a simple task became a politically-induced nightmare for Delano and Capozzi's family.

Yet Western New Yorkers remained oblivious to the political details as detectives from a specially formed task force hunted a serial rapist turned murderer.

DNA evidence would soon identify Almetio Sanchez as the man women had feared meeting along the beautiful yet secluded bike paths; a man beloved within his community but whom harbored a sociopathic hatred towards women.

Sanchez's crimes would solve almost thirty years worth of cases; many of which had ran their statute of limitations.

And vindicate an innocent man of the crimes for which he had been wrongfully convicted.

Unfortunately, the overinflated ego of a rogue District Attorney would be exposed and a dedicated cold-case detective would be forced into retirement; making the case of The Bike Path Rapist end on a bittersweet note.

Bike Path Rapist is the book to read if you want to know all of the inside workings that pertains to this twisted case that spanned three decades.

From the inner-office disputes to legal wranglings to head butting between the brass and prosecutors, Bike Path Rapist is an straight-shooting account of the hunt for a monster and the careers it would subsequently end.

Buy It! Purchase Bike Path Rapist from Amazon for only $7.99.

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Book Review: Naked Addiction by Caitlin Rother

Ken Goode knew at the tender age of six that he wanted to be a policeman after being comforted by an officer following his mother's suicide by jumping off a bridge.

Thirty years late, he had fulfilled that dream.

Detective Goode is a narcotics officer looking to move into the homicide division; and he gets his first big break at attaining his goal with the discovery of young girl's body in the alley.

Following this unfortunate discovery, Detective Goode begins down a investigative journey that has more twists that a mountain road.

Award winning author Caitlin Rother's debut into the fiction genre is astounding!

With superb character development and an insider's view to the truth about "the people's right to know" (law enforcement vs. reporters), the case of a serial killer makes for an addicting, page-turning read.

Rother, an investigative journalist and true crime writer, uses her journalist skills and criminal knowledge to reach out to mystery fiction fans with Naked Addiction.

And the best part....there's a sequel to come (or so I've heard)!

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Book Review: Ghost Huntress The Guidance by Marley Gibson (Book 2)

Kendall Moorehead, a Chicago transplant, is still coming to terms with living in the small southern town of Radisson, Georgia.

And her psychic abilities.

In this second book of the Ghost Huntress series by Marley Gibson, Kendall will have her "gifts" put to the test; plus some she's not even ready to explore!

Kendall's classmate and arch nemesis, Courtney Langdon, can't stand the attention Kendall's receiving for being "gifted."

Not to mention, she's jealous that Kendall is now dating her ex-boyfriend Jason Tillson.

In an attempt to draw attention from Kendall, Courtney decides to dabble in the psychic world; unfortunately, she doesn't know that she's actually opening similar to Pandora's Box.

Will Kendall and her ghost hunting team help the popular cheerleader or leave her to own device?

The decision isn't an easy one, but Kendall's spirit guide Emily is there to help her, as well as her team, her priest, and her mentor.

But making the decision is the easy part; following through will entail much more than Kendall could have ever imagined.

The references to actual ghost-hunting equipment and techniques makes these awesome books! (Especially the bibliography in the back that provides links for more information.)

It may seem a bit crazy that a 35-year-old woman is reading Young Adult Fiction, but I love the Ghost Huntress series! Once I start one, I find myself so engrossed that I can easily read the 300 page (average) books within a couple of days.

The only thing I'm not too fond of is the use of such colorful language. I'm by no means foolish when it comes to teen language - I was once and I have two teen boys - but I think the book would be just as interesting without it.

With the sexual content of this book and the language, I wouldn't recommend it for anyone less than high school age.

Buy It! Ghost Huntress: The Guidance will release September 2009; but you can pre-order this book for only $8.99. And don't forget about the free shipping with qualifying purchases of $25 or more!

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Book Review: A Cold-Blooded Business by Marek Fuchs

Melinda Lambert Harmon was a devout member of the Nazarene church in Olathe, Kansas.

Growing up the daughter of a highly respected Nazarene church official, Dr. Wilmer Lambert, and later marrying her teenager sweetheart David Harmon, Melinda's life appeared to be one of many blessings.

Yet something was apparently lacking.

Not long into the marriage and while working at the Nazarene College in Olathe, Melinda was introduced to and began working closely with Mark Mangelsdorf; an up and coming young man in charge of organizing concerts on the campus of the MidAmerica Nazarene College.

It wasn't long until Mangelsdorf found himself in a tight-knit friendship with the newlywed Harmons.

Although all three appeared to be zealous in the practice of their strict religion, friends and neighbors would come to question the possibility of an adulterous affair between Melinda and Mark.

Then on a cold, dark night in February 1982, Melinda beat on the door of her next door neighbors claiming that David had been brutally attacked by two black men before the intruders fled the Harmon apartment in possession of the keys to the bank where David was employed.

Yet the police wasn't buying what Melinda was selling. Unfortunately, between limited evidence and the interference of Melinda's powerful father, homicide detectives were at an impasse on solving David's murder.

For 20 years, "the buckle of the bible belt" would be divided between those who supported Melinda and Mark and those who felt disgust at the two getting away with murder.

Then in walked two cold case detectives, a district attorney looking to take the next step up the political ladder, and friends and family still seeking justice for David Harmon.

What follows is the story of reopening a case considered colder than a Sunday in hell, hours of tireless detective work, and the amazing toe-the-line confession and accusation from Melinda.

Author Marek Fuchs crosses over from writing about the corporate world into the business of cold-hearted murder.

Well written and full of detail, plus a one-on-one interview with the accused, A Cold-Blooded Business is a tale of true crime that will make you question the validity of believing the old adage that you reap what you sow.

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Book Review: Evil At Heart by Chelsea Cain

Portland, Oregon's most famous female serial killer Gretchen Lowell, a.k.a. The Beauty Killer, is on the loose.

And people are dying.

Homicide Detective Archie Sheridan is still recovering from his very personal "meeting" with Gretchen from within the walls of Providence Medical Center psych ward.

But maybe his best therapy would be to do what he should have done long ago: kill Gretchen Lowell.

It's the only way to stop her.

Evil At Heart is the third in author Chelsea Cain's Beauty Killer series. And the plot lines and writing only continue to get better and better!

Each of Cain's novels are filled with twisting plots that leave you guessing until the very end.

Having read the first two in this series, Sweetheart and Heartsick, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read Evil at Heart.

And once again, I'll anxiously await the next one!

Buy It! Evil At Heart is available for pre-order at Amazon for only $16.49 (hardcover). The book is set to release September 1, 2009.

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How Noah Knew What To Do by Karen Moore (Book Review)

"If Noah wasn't a ship builder, how could he build an ark?"

The first line from this bible-story-based book titled How Noah Knew What To Do from author Karen Moore sets the stage for the captivating and educational message that follows.

With 30 pages of brightly colored graphics (illustrated by Pete Kersten) and easy to read rhyming text, it's a kid pleaser from beginning to end.

My four year old son was able to easily understand the lesson of Noah's Ark after reading this book. And seeing the rainbow illustrated in the book, along with the words finally helped him understand what we had been trying to teach him all along.

How Noah Knew What To Do is now one of his favorite books. Not only for the story within, but the gel-filled plastic on the front cover that is "water" adds to the fun of the book - giving it a little "extra" that many other books don't offer.

Published by Thomas Nelson of Nashville, Tennessee, How Noah Knew What To Do is available for purchase at Amazon for only $10.94 USD.

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Between Wyomings: My God And An iPod On The Open Road by Ken Mansfield (Book Review)

Join Ken Mansfield and his wife Connie as they take Moses (a van) on an adventure as Ken tries to escape the present by facing his past with the help of God and an iPod full of memory-stimulating music.

With each song on his iPod shuffle, Ken is transported back to a different place and time of his life as a music producer to some of the biggest names in music.

And when he feels that he has lost his way, Ken ventures into seclusion to seek God's guidance.

The main purpose of his mission: to find his way back "home."

Each recounting of Ken's memorable past is filled with humor and emotion.

Readers who enjoy short story, essay-style accounts of an individual's journey, will find Between Wyomings a fun and easy read that leaves you with a desire to find your own way "home."

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Book Review: The Bike Path Killer by Maki Becker and Michael Beebe (Almetio Sanchez)

As early as 1977, he prowled the paths and streets of Buffalo, New York and its surrounding communities.

He was first known as The Bike Path Rapist.

He preyed on women. Looking to take control, then brutally rape them. Until control and rape were no longer enough.

Then he killed them.

And became known as The Bike Path Killer.

But he made mistakes. Big mistakes.

He left his DNA behind.

And while his reign lasted almost 3 decades, science was refining the art of identifying a criminal through their unique genetic markings.

The Bike Path Killer was unveiled: Almetio Sanchez.

Sanchez was well known and liked in his circle. He was a church going, golf player who was devoted to his two sons and was deeply in love with his wife Kathy.

It was all a persona to cover the evil within.

The Bike Path Killer is written by two journalist who worked for the The Buffalo News at the time of Sanchez's arrest.

Unfortunately, as is frequently found among this genre, newspaper reports can't turn true crime writers as their books often turn into compiled newspaper reports of the crimes.

And just as a newspaper uses fillers to keep a hot story selling the papers, those same fillers were tossed into this book: many of the first pages details the life story of numerous detectives and investigators involved in this case (irregardless of how minute their contribution).

As a result, I found myself skimming numerous pages.

The Bike Path Killer is an interesting case. Unfortunately, I found too much fluff in between the story.

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Book Review: Mail Order Murder by Patricia Springer (Jack Reeves)

Emelita Reeves was a beautiful, eighteen-year-old Filipino living in Cebu City, Manila and desperate to help her family overcome their poverty stricken state.

When her father placed an ad about his daughter in a mail order bride magazine, he didn't realize that his dreams of a better life for Emelita and the family's chance at financial assistance would lead to a brutal murder.

Jack Reeves was immediately smitten with the almond-eyed, black hair Emelita; and soon she would become his bride.

His fourth bride; and the third to die in questionable circumstances.

When Emelita went missing on October 11, 2004, her friends were the first to report her disappearance; especially after being instructed by Emelita that, should they ever be unable to reach her by cell phone or pager, they should immediately call the police - because Jack had killed her.

Emelita had longed to return to the Phillipines. She suspected that her husband Jack was responsible for the deaths of second and third wives - hence the instructions to her friends. But providing for her family - via a financially stable American - was Emelita's duty; so she stayed.

Following the report of Emelita's disappearance, the investigation that ensued would unearth Jack's obsession with perversion, a need for control, and a drive to kill to protect what was his - more than once!

Jack Reeves may have outsmarted the police more than once, but then his path crossed with Detectives Tom LeNoir and Buddy Evans of the Arlington, Texas, Police Department.

His life would never be the same.

Mail Order Murder is another awesome true crime book written by Patricia Springer. Well written and researched, this tale of murder and manipulation will keep fans of the true crime genre engrossed until the very end.

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Book Review: Invitation To A Murder by Gail Abbott Zimmerman (Mark Winger)

Donnah Winger was an outgoing, fun-loving, new mother when - on August 29, 1995 - she was beaten to death with a hammer in her own home as her newly adopted daughter lay in a bedroom just down the hall.
Who could commit such a vicious, cold-blooded killing in the middle of the afternoon?

According to her husband, Mark, it was the driver of an airport shuttle van service which Donnah had used just a few days before her death. A man known as Roger Harrington.

Mark Winger told a compelling, heart-wrenching story of hearing a thump and running to see what happened; only to be greeted by the gruesome attack on Donnah by Harrington.

And police believed him...for four years.

One detective, however, never bought what Mark was selling and tried to warn his fellow investigators. Unfortunately, the higher-ups of the Springfield, Illinois police department weren't listening.

Until Mark's mistress at the time of the murder stepped forward.

What ensues is a full scale investigation to bring Mark Winger to justice for killing not only his wife, but an innocent man; a man whose family, for years, had suffered the shame and humiliation as parents of an alleged murderer.

I first became interested in the Mark Winger case after watching CBS's 48 Hours episode on the subject (and the basis of this book).

This 336 page book is filled with more detail than could be crammed into an hour long television show. Even those who watched the documentary will be pleasantly surprised at the behind-the-scenes information contained within Invitation To A Murder.

More Resources On This Case:

• Donnah and Mark's Engagement Announcement in the New York Times
  
  
• 48 Hours correspondent Richard Schlesinger video on Winger case
  
  
• Donnah Winger Memorial Fund for Women In Distress of Broward County, Florida information

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Jungle Jack Hanna's The Wackiest Wildest, Weirdest Animals In The World (Book Review)

God's creatures aren't just great and small. Many of them are also wacky, wild, and weird!

My animal loving (to an extreme!) 4 year old couldn't hardly contain himself as we pulled Jungle Jack Hanna's The Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals In The World from the box.

A brightly colored cover with clear, bold photographs inside appealed not only to him, but me as well. (And a 20 minute DVD with Jack Hanna full of bloopers and behind-the-scenes footage was icing on the cake!)

We immediately sat down and read this interesting and entertaining children's book.

Some of the things we learned included:

• A young hyena is called a whelp.
  
  
• Cape Buffalo can weigh up to 1,000 pounds
  
  
• The plate on each armadillo's head is unique just like human fingerprints
  
  
• An octopus has three hearts

Not only is this an attention-catching children's book, but an excellent learning tool; especially for the curious preschooler or early elementary student.

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Regain Life's Balance With The Momnificent! Life (A Book Review)

I became a stay-at-home mom in 1996; and ever since the term - "stay" - has bothered me.

Webster's Dictionary defines the word as "to stop or halt," "remain behind, " and "continue in a place, position, or situation."

As far as I'm concerned, none of those definitions apply. Rarely do I have time to stop; nor do I feel left behind or as though I'm staying in the same place. (The latter could only be defined, in relation to my life, as wishful thinking!)

I am a work-at-home mom. Not to be confused with the work-from-home mother.

I am a Manager; a manager of my household consisting of four children and a husband. My physical place of employment is at home.

Therefore, I am a work-at-home mom.

To define myself in a manner that brings me a sense of satisfaction - of accomplishment - was the very first of many important life-changing steps I learned from The Momnificent! Life by Lori Radun.

And then I was hooked!

For three days, I delved into learning how to grow and prosper in my job and my personal life; which, for me, happens to be in one the same.

Don't misunderstand. The Momnificent! Life isn't just for the full time mother. This book is for any mother looking to gain a sense of balance in her life.

Readers are encouraged to evaluate several aspects of their life, including:

• Personal Development
• Spirituality
• Fun and Enjoyment
• Relationships
• Health and Aging
• Personal Finance
• Career and Profession
• Home and Family

At the end of each segment, readers are invited to engage in assignments that help to exercise the principals learned.

I personally found that practicing such assignments immediately following a "lesson" helped me to more greatly absorb it and set it in motion now versus later - which procrastinators, such as myself, tend to [never] do.

As an avid reader, I've read numerous self-help books on a wide variety of subjects. However, I found The Momnificent! Life to be the first to offer a complete manual on all the issues important to me - as a mother, wife, and a woman.

The Momnificent! Life is a book that I will keep nearby as a handy reference tool; as a means to finding a balance in an all too frequently unbalanced lifestyle.

Thank you to author Lori Radun for bringing such a wonderfully written blessing into my life!

The Momnificent! Life is available at for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart.

I also strongly encourage you to visit Lori's website at http://www.momnificent.com/ for additional resources such as coaching programs and products, a Mini eCourse, and monthly eZine; or find out how you can have this gifted author speak at your next retreat.

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Book Review: Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay

Tim Blake has a typical relationship with his teenager daughter Sydney: love them, but hate the attitude.

And while his time with Sydney has become too little following the Blakes' divorce, he can't help but to loathe the teenage mentality.

Until Syd, as referred to by her Dad, goes missing.

Tim will do anything to find her and bring her home.

But the journey that ensures will be full of surprises; including learning that those he thought he knew and trusted, he didn't really know that well at all.

Linwood Barclay's newest thriller Fear The Worst ($16.32 USD from Amazon) is expected to release in hardback on August 11, 2009.

This chocked-full-of-surprises thriller starts out a bit slow, but with just a couple of chapters becomes a book that you just can't put down!

What I found most exciting about this book was the numerous plots within the plot which kept me guessing until the very end.

There's nothing more I enjoy than a book that I can't figure out the ending - and this one more than delivered.

Until now I had not read any of Barclay's work, but he definitely has a new fan!

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Book Review: Still Life by Joy Fielding

At 32-years-old Casey Marshall is beautiful, intelligent, extremely wealthy, and married to a loving, dedicated husband. Life is great until the day her life is forever changed after being struck by a car; an event that leaves her in a coma.

But Casey isn't your typical coma patient. While she can't move, see, or feel, she can hear everything going on around her.

While police determine that what happened to Casey wasn't an accident, her husband, sister and two best friends can't imagine who would want to hurt Casey - especially to wish her dead.

As Casey struggles to let those around her know that she is indeed in their presence - even if in audio only - and regain her other lost senses, she learns that she doesn't know her loved ones as well as she thought she did.

Surprises abounded in Still Life, an edge-of-seat, can't-put-it-down thriller from Joy Fielding.

I absolutely love a mystery and too often these days I am able to figure out the "whodunnit" long before the end. So what I particularly liked about Still Life was that the "who" was answered early, as well as they "why," but the real cliffhanger includes "whens" and "ifs." I was left guessing until the next to the last chapter.

Still Life is most definitely in the top 10 of my favorite thriller novels for 2009. If this is a genre you enjoy, you'll want to read Still Life by Joy Fielding.

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Book Review: Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Libby Day was but a 7-year-old child when her mother and sisters were brutally murdered on their Kinnakee, Kansas farm.

Although she escaped with her life, that wasn't true for her emotional and mental state.

And now 24 years later, with her life a mess around her, Libby has been forgotten and the pity cash she received from strangers has stopped rolling in.

But before she gives actual employment a try, there's a last ditch effort to make some fast cash: play detective for a small, secret society known as Kill Club.

To earn this money Libby must resurrect the ghosts of the past; including meeting with her brother Ben; the one who stands tried and convicted of his family's murder and is currently serving a life sentence behind bars.

Sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie; as Libby learns when she finds herself facing harsh realities about her family that she was sheltered from as a child - and finds herself in the sights of a killer....again.

Dark Places is a fast-paced read, with gripping, riveting present to past chapter alterations that make this book difficult to put down.

For only a second time author, Gillian Flynn produces an awesome thriller that leaves even the most critical of readers wanting more.

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